Devices and methods for tongue stabilization

Abstract

Tongue-stabilization devices and methods, such as, for example, for treatment and / or reduction of symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61 / 266,035 (filed Dec. 2, 2009), incorporated by reference herein.BACKGROUND[0002]1. Field of the Invention[0003]The present invention relates generally to devices and methods for stabilizing the tongue of a mammal, such as a human, and, more particularly, but not by way of limitation, to devices and methods for stabilizing the tongue to prevent and / or alleviate symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).[0004]2. Description of Related Art[0005]Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is disease that affects up to 20% of the adult population. OSA generally occurs during sleep when soft tissue obstructs the airway and creates cessation of or impedes breathing. Obstruction can occur at one or more levels including the retropalatal and retrolingual areas. Surgical correction of such obstructions remains a challenge, specifically for the retrolingual area. Removal or ablatio...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0009]Unlike existing tongue stabilization devices, embodiments of the present tongue stabilization devices do not require attachment to the mandible. As explained in more detail below, during use of exemplary embodiments the removal or incision in the tongue can cause either reduction of tongue tissue or the reorientation of the incision by creating tension on the suture and pulling the posterior aspect of the tongue anteriorly. The creation of a wound can allow the tongue to heal in the new orientation so tension is only needed during the healing process and not permanently. The temporary nature of the use of exemplary embodiments can allow for its components (e.g. the anchor, suture, and counter-tension member) to be constructed from bioabsorbable material.

[0010]Certain existing devices that are configured to be anchored to the mandible can require constant and permanent tension to effectively reposition or stabilize the tongue. Such configurations are susceptible to breakage due to the constant and permanent tension placed on the components. Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure do not require anchoring to the mandible and are not as susceptible to breakage because the tongue can be stabilized or repositioned without permanent tension. In certain exemplary embodiments, multiple devices can be placed in the tongue, spreading the tension among the different implants and sculpting the base of tongue, thereby further reducing the likelihood of breakage.

[0011]In exemplary embodiments, the device is entering through a clean wound, reducing the risk of infection and abscess formation (in contrast to existing methods of using on radio frequency ablation on the base of tongue through the surface). With exemplary embodiments, the closure of the wound can also help create hemostasis which can reduce the possible complication of a hematoma formation. Furthermore, since the surface of the tongue is not penetrated, pain may be greatly reduced.

[0014]Certain embodiments may further comprise: creating a void in the tongue proximal to the anchor, where the void is oriented generally parallel to an axis extending from the posterior portion of the tongue to the anterior portion of the tongue prior to tensioning the suture; and the void is oriented generally perpendicular to an axis extending from the posterior portion of the tongue to the anterior portion of the tongue after tensioning the suture.

Problems solved by technology

Surgical correction of such obstructions remains a challenge, specifically for the retrolingual area.

Removal or ablation of tongue tissue has been utilized with poor results due to complications, such as severe bleeding, abscess formation, and / or the inability to move the tongue anterior enough to relieve the obstruction.

Such configurations are susceptible to breakage due to the constant and permanent tension placed on the components.

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